Had a similar experience with synthetic underlayment after a nasty windstorm last year—saved my attic from turning into a swimming pool. I do miss how easy felt was to walk on, though. Those slick synthetics make me nervous, especially when it’s damp out. Composite shingles have held up better than asphalt for me, but like you said, nothing stands up to those monster hailstones. Sometimes it feels like you’re just picking the lesser headache.
Those slick synthetics make me nervous, especially when it’s damp out.
Yeah, I hear you on that. The first time I walked a roof with synthetic underlayment, I nearly ended up sliding off—felt is just so much grippier. What I did was pick up a cheap pair of those roofing shoes with the soft soles, and that helped some, but honestly, nothing feels as secure as old-school felt when it’s wet.
As for composite vs. asphalt, I’ve had both now. The composite shingles on my current place seem to shrug off the summer sun and the ice better than the asphalt ever did. I still get anxious when hail season rolls around, though—last year’s storm left a few dents but no leaks (knock on wood). One thing I noticed: composites are heavier, so if your roof framing is older or marginal, it might be worth double-checking load limits.
It really does feel like you’re just picking which problem you’d rather deal with... For me, the extra upfront cost of composite paid off with fewer repairs so far. But if you’re doing it yourself, those bundles are heavier to haul up the ladder—just something to keep in mind.
composites are heavier, so if your roof framing is older or marginal, it might be worth double-checking load limits.
That’s a good point. My house is from the 60s and I actually had to reinforce a couple rafters before putting on composite. Didn’t expect that extra hassle, but I do like how they hold up in the heat.
That’s a common surprise with older homes—framing from the 50s or 60s just wasn’t designed for today’s heavier composite shingles. I’ve seen rafters sag a bit under the extra weight, especially after a few wet seasons. Still, composites do tend to outlast asphalt in hot climates, which is a big plus if you’re dealing with brutal summers. Just gotta watch for that upfront work... and maybe budget a little extra for the unexpected.
Had to laugh a bit reading this—reminds me of when I tried to swap out the roof on our ‘58 ranch. Thought I’d save money with composite, but the first roofer who came out just shook his head at the rafters. Ended up reinforcing a bunch of them before we could even start. Still, after last summer’s heatwave, I’m glad we went with composite. The old asphalt shingles would’ve melted right off, I swear. But yeah, those “little” surprises do add up fast...
